Carrying and Placing Skis on Snow

Recommended practice time: 10–15 min

Introduction

Before stepping on the slope, learn how to safely carry your skis and how to place them on the snow without risk of sliding. This prevents accidents and damage to equipment, especially in crowded areas near lifts or lodges.

Explanation / Essence

Basic rules for carrying and placing skis:

  1. Prepare skis for carrying
    Place ski bases together and secure them with a ski strap if available. Make sure the brakes are down and the skis stay aligned.
  2. Carrying on the shoulder
    Lift skis by the bindings and rest them on your shoulder with tips forward and bindings facing outward. Hold them with your hand to prevent slipping and avoid hitting people behind you.
  3. Carrying by hand (short distances)
    Hold skis at the bindings, next to your body, tips slightly above the ground. Useful in crowds or when entering buildings.
  4. Placing skis on snow
    On a slope, always place skis across the hill (tip–tail horizontal), bases down, with brakes pointing downhill. This prevents them from sliding away.
  5. Where to put the poles?
    Place poles below the skis (downhill side) and stick the tips into the snow – they act as a barrier in case the skis move.
  6. If a ski slides
    Never chase directly downhill. Approach from the side or wait until it stops. Stop it with poles from the side, never from below.
Illustration: carrying skis on the shoulder and placing skis across the slope with poles downhill.
Carrying on the shoulder and placing skis across the slope prevents unwanted sliding.

Typical Mistakes

  • Carrying skis backwards – tips behind you hit people.
  • Placing skis parallel to the slope – they slide easily.
  • No strap / bases apart – skis cross and slip from your grip.
  • Leaving poles above skis (uphill) – they don’t block sliding.

Beginner Questions

Are ski straps mandatory?

No, but they help a lot in keeping skis together when carrying or storing them, especially in wind and icy conditions.

How do I know if the brakes work?

When skis are not clipped in, brakes should be down and touching the snow. If they stay up, check your bindings or service your gear.

Where is the safest place to leave skis near a café?

On flat ground or in racks. If on a slight slope, always place them across the hill with poles downhill.

Instructor’s Tip

“Always think of people around you: tips forward, bindings outward, and when placing skis – across the slope with poles downhill. Quick and safe ritual.”

Conclusion

Correctly carrying and placing skis keeps you and others safe and protects your equipment. Once you master this short protocol, transitioning from “on foot” to skiing will always be safe and smooth.